The 2017-18 NBA season has been filled with first-year pros stepping up and taking the spotlight. Unfortunately for New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina, though, who's among the prized rookies this season, he can't officially say he's part of that crop… yet. He's mostly watching from afar, seeing the continuous rise of his co-rookies unfold.

The French phenom is still trying to earn solid minutes in the Knicks' rotation, and he's currently playing behind 13-year veteran, Jarrett Jack. All he can do now is to continue honing his game, learn as much as he can from Jack, and wait for his time to come.

Marc Berman of the New York Post shared some of Ntilikina's thoughts on the bumpy rookie year:

“I know it’s going to take time. You see a lot of rookies go through that season where they’re not consistent and show flashes… That’s what I’m doing. I’m showing flashes. Of course I want to be more consistent.’’

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Consistency is indeed hard to come by for the 19-year-old Ntilikina. He's admitted that the unforgiving travel schedule of the NBA is tough, and it may be playing a part in his struggles:

“Maybe it’s a little adjustment, traveling a lot, playing that many more games than when I was over in France… It’s just getting used to it.

Playing only 20.7 minutes per game, Ntilikina is averaging 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest. He had his best game as a pro last January 15th against the Brooklyn Nets, where he almost tallied a triple-double — 10 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.